Ethno-medical study of tonics in Patalkot and Tamiya, MP.
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Ethno-medical studies of patalkot and tamiya (distt. chhindwara) m. p. – plants used as tonic
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
M. K. Rai
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Ethno-medical studies of patalkot and tamiya (distt. chhindwara) m. p. – plants used as tonic
Year: 1987
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The paper presents findings from an ethno-medical survey conducted in the tribal areas of Tamiya and Patalkot in Madhya Pradesh, India, where the "Bharia" and "Gond" tribes reside. The study identifies 22 medicinal plants belonging to 17 families that are used as tonic medicines by these tribes. The author emphasizes the historical reliance on herbal medicine in India and highlights the alarming loss of this traditional knowledge as younger generations migrate to urban areas for employment. The paper underscores the importance of conserving this irreplaceable knowledge, suggesting that ethno-medicinal studies could facilitate the introduction of new drugs.
Traditional Wisdom in Medicinal Plants
Among the various findings, the survey focuses particularly on the significance of the knowledge surrounding medicinal plants used as tonics. For example, Adiantum capillus, commonly known as "Hansraj," is utilized for its tonic properties; similarly, the root of Angiopteris erecta ("Ghodatap") serves this purpose as well. Each plant listed has its specific vernacular name and local usage, showcasing the depth of traditional wisdom in utilizing flora for health benefits. The paper's findings compel a structured approach toward documenting and chemically analyzing these plants to validate their medicinal claims and ensure the preservation of this valuable ethnobotanical heritage.
Conclusion
The urgent need for the conservation of traditional ethno-medical knowledge is highlighted as cultural shifts threaten to erase this invaluable information. The study emphasizes the ethnobotanical wealth present in Madhya Pradesh, particularly in the Chhindwara district, which remains largely unexplored. Overall, this research not only documents a variety of medicinal plants but also serves as a call to action for further exploration and scientific validation of the healing properties attributed to these plants, aiming to sustain and integrate traditional practices into modern medicinal frameworks.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the purpose of the ethno-medical survey in Madhya Pradesh?
The survey aimed to document medicinal plants used as tonics among the Bharia and Gond tribes in Tamiya and Patalkot, highlighting the importance of preserving traditional herbal knowledge.
How many medicinal plants were identified in the survey?
The study identified 22 medicinal plants belonging to 17 different families, all used as tonics by the local tribal communities in the region.
What is the significance of the traditional knowledge of herbal medicines?
Traditional knowledge of herbal medicines is invaluable and irreplaceable, as it takes centuries to develop but risks being lost due to cultural shifts and urban migration.
What methods were used to gather information in the study?
The researcher conducted multiple interviews with locals during several trips, ensuring the accuracy of information by cross-referencing details with different tribal individuals.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Ethno-medical study of tonics in Patalkot and Tamiya, MP.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Medicine:
Medicine refers to the practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing illness, which is supported by knowledge of medicinal plants. In the context of the study, the traditional use of various plants by the 'Bharia' and 'Gond' tribes serves as a foundation for herbal medicine, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and conserving these natural remedies as an integral part of healthcare.
2) Knowledge:
Knowledge in this context pertains to the traditional understanding and practices regarding the use of medicinal plants among tribal communities. This knowledge is oral and transmitted across generations; its erosion is noted due to urban migration and loss of cultural practices, stressing the urgency of documentation and preservation of ethnobotanical wisdom for future generations.
3) Madhya (Mādhya):
Madhya Pradesh, referred to as 'Madhya' here, is a state in India rich in biodiversity and home to various tribal communities. The region's flora includes numerous medicinal plants used traditionally for tonics, highlighting the significance of ethnobotanical studies in informing both local and broader medicinal practices derived from indigenous knowledge.
4) Butea monosperma:
Butea monosperma, known locally as 'Chheula' or 'Palas', is a medicinal plant recognized for its tonic properties. The root of this plant is traditionally used by the local tribes for enhancing strength and vitality, showcasing the importance of native flora in traditional medicine and the value of documenting such uses.
5) Desmodium gangeticum:
Desmodium gangeticum, identified as 'Sarivan' in the local vernacular, is another plant noted for its tonic applications. The powdered root is utilized for promoting health and wellness among the tribes, emphasizing the role of this species in traditional pharmacopoeia and the need for more research on its chemical properties and benefits.
6) Milk:
Milk is mentioned in the context of traditional medicine, where it is used in conjunction with certain plant roots to enhance their tonic effects. It serves as a common base for remedies, especially among the tribal communities, where combinations of natural ingredients are employed to optimize health benefits and support recovery.
7) Discussion:
Discussion among tribal individuals during the survey is crucial for verifying the authenticity of information regarding medicinal plants. Engaging multiple informants ensures that the knowledge gathered reflects a more comprehensive understanding of traditional practices, thereby facilitating a richer and more reliable ethnobotanical study.
8) Sarivan:
Sarivan is the vernacular name for Desmodium gangeticum, a plant recognized for its use in traditional medicine. Its roots are particularly noted for their tonic properties, underscoring the significance of regional nomenclature in documenting ethnomedicine and the necessity of cultural context in understanding plant uses.
9) Science (Scientific):
Science, in this context, refers to the systematic study and analysis of medicinal plants and their applications in traditional medicine. Ethno-medicinal studies bridge cultural heritage and scientific inquiry, highlighting the importance of validation and exploration of indigenous knowledge within a scientific framework to discover new medicinal compounds.
10) Botany:
Botany, the scientific study of plants, is integral to understanding the medicinal properties of flora. This survey is conducted under the discipline of botany, emphasizing the need for scientific documentation of medicinal plants used by tribal communities to better appreciate their ecological and pharmacological significance.
11) Pala (Palā, Pāla):
Pala refers to Butea monosperma, a plant whose roots are utilized as tonic medicine among the local tribes. Understanding the local vernacular names and their associations with specific plants aids in documenting and preserving traditional knowledge, ensuring the relevance of folk medicine in contemporary therapeutic practices.
12) Drug:
Drug, in this context, draws attention to the medicinal formulations derived from plants as traditional remedies. Ethno-medicinal studies encourage the exploration of these natural substances, potentially leading to new drug discoveries. This underscores the importance of integrating local herbal knowledge with modern pharmacological research for healthcare advancements.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Ethno-medical study of tonics in Patalkot and Tamiya, MP.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Medicinal plant, Urban area, Herbal medicine, Word of mouth, Traditional culture, Folk medicine, Medicinal flora, Conservation of knowledge, Frequent trips.